Worthy Luster

 

Worth, is a shiny thing,

or dulled and dim,

glittering and gold,

muddy and dark;

depending on ones

perspective.

 

How much worth,

is worth; worth,

when we don’t know

the worth of its

worth?

And usually too late.

 

I often cannot comprehend

my own worthiness,

or the worthiness I have

in the minds and eyes of

others.

Am I shiny and gold, or dull and dim?

 

The worth of these words,

hastily typed,

the first words of 2024.

Can I calculate their value,

their worth, to me,

to you?

 

Is there worth in merely existing

as prose on a page,

or as a background actor

playing on Broadway,

or the busker in a subway,

playing harmonica over an empty cup.

 

Worthy deeds,

worthy of praise,

or worthy of derision,

splattered with suspicion,

self-depreciation, and

general mistrust.

 

Is it worth the worry?

Is it worth the anxiety?

Shiny and gold.

Dim and dulled,

worthy of mysterious luster.